WANA (Jun 11) – At the recent meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors, the UK representative—speaking on behalf of the three European parties to the JCPOA (the UK, France, and Germany)—delivered a statement critical of Iran, accusing Tehran of accelerating its nuclear activities and further deviating from its JCPOA commitments, citing the Agency’s latest report.

 

According to the statement, Iran has exceeded its obligations by stockpiling over 400 kilograms of 60% enriched uranium, installing advanced centrifuges, and continuing operations at the Fordow facility. The three countries claimed that there is no civilian justification for these actions and that the IAEA is no longer able to verify the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program—something they argue should alarm the international community.

 

The E3 also criticized Iran’s decision to de-designate several experienced IAEA inspectors, calling it a political move that hampers the Agency’s ability to conduct effective verification. They noted that, due to Iran’s suspension of the Additional Protocol, the IAEA has lost access to crucial information regarding centrifuges, rotors, heavy water, and uranium concentrate.

 

Referring to what they described as Iran’s threats to alter its nuclear doctrine and possibly withdraw from the NPT, the E3 warned that such posturing poses a serious risk to the global non-proliferation regime.

In conclusion, the European troika warned that, should a satisfactory agreement not be reached, they are prepared to consider triggering the snapback mechanism as a means to respond to the threats posed by Iran’s nuclear program.

 

Iranian officials, meanwhile, rejected the accusations as politically motivated and baseless. Abbas Araghchi, former Deputy Foreign Minister, wrote in response that even the Trump administration’s assertion that “Iran should not have nuclear weapons” is consistent with Iran’s own doctrine and could serve as common ground for a new agreement.

 

He stressed that a sustainable agreement remains achievable—provided the IAEA is allowed full oversight and sanctions are effectively lifted.

 

Behrouz Kamalvandi, spokesman for the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, also defended Iran’s actions, saying they were taken under the JCPOA’s provisions—specifically Articles 26 and 36—and in response to non-compliance by the other parties. He warned that moving toward the snapback mechanism would be a political gesture with no real benefit for the West.